The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) inked a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Abra (UAbra), formerly Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology (ASIST) and the Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOST – CAR) to establish the second Natural Dyes (NatDyes) Hub in La Paz, Abra.
This is the 3rd NatDyes Hub in CAR and the 14th in the country. This agreement was formalized during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) held at the Heritage Convention Center in Ifugao State University on August 7, 2024. The collaboration aims to develop and promote natural dyes in the textile industry, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices and the use of indigenous resources.
The new hub will focus on improving extraction methods, color standardization, and creating value-added textile products. It also aims to boost the economic prospects of local communities by integrating natural dye production into their supply and value chains.
Furthermore, DOST-PTRI will bring its expertise in natural dyes research and development, UAbra will offer academic resources and training, and DOST-CAR will oversee the establishment of the Abra NatDyes Hub and its integration into the local textile innovation ecosystem and economy.